Online Reporter
Herald Reporter
From the fields of the country’s agricultural heartland to discussions in boardrooms and investment forums, the inaugural Zimbabwe Diaspora Week ended with a renewed call for citizens living abroad to turn their skills, capital and networks into tangible contributions to national development.
The week-long programme, organised by the Zimbabwe Achievers Association (ZAA), brought together Zimbabweans from the United Kingdom, United States, Australia, Canada, South Africa, Ireland, the United Arab Emirates and other countries.
It concluded with a visit to President Mnangagwa’s farm, giving diaspora delegates first-hand insight into the country’s agricultural sector and highlighting opportunities for investment in agriculture and other productive sectors.
Held under the theme, “Connecting global Zimbabweans for investment, innovation and youth empowerment”, the programme focused on strengthening links between citizens at home and abroad.
The week opened with a Youth and Cultural Exchange Programme, bringing together diaspora families, young people and local communities to celebrate Zimbabwean identity, heritage and culture.
Delegates also attended the annual Diaspora Day Reception at the British Ambassador’s residence, which brought together Government officials, diplomats, development partners, private-sector representatives, and members of the diaspora.
They toured key infrastructure and development projects in and around Harare, gaining insight into the country’s development trajectory while exploring potential areas for investment and partnership.
Youth empowerment was another major focus, with discussions centred on entrepreneurship, mentorship, skills transfer, access to finance and investment opportunities for young people.
A key highlight was the Zimbabwe Diaspora Assembly and Forum, which brought together Government officials, business leaders, investors, development partners, and diaspora representatives to discuss ways to strengthen the diaspora’s role in national development.
The assembly is envisaged as an annual homecoming platform where Zimbabweans from around the world can reconnect, exchange ideas and identify opportunities to contribute to the country’s development.
ZAA founder and president Mr Conrad Mwanza said the programme demonstrated the potential of organised diaspora engagement.
“Our vision is to build a genuine global association of Zimbabweans who are proud of where they come from and committed to making an impact,” he said. “The Diaspora Assembly is becoming our annual pilgrimage home — a platform to reconnect, exchange ideas, identify opportunities and contribute to Zimbabwe’s future.”
The programme culminated in the ZAA Global Awards Gala Dinner at Heritage Village, where outstanding Zimbabweans were recognised for achievements in business, sport, public service, academia and community leadership.
Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training Minister, Tino Machakaire, was the guest of honour.
ZAA Global chairman Mr Nicolas Bhero said the organisation was now focused on translating its global network into measurable impact.
“ZAA must be more than an awards platform. We are building a global network of Zimbabweans committed to connection, collaboration and impact. “Our collective success must translate into opportunities for both the diaspora and Zimbabwe at home,” he said.
Throughout the week, delegates stressed the need to move beyond remittances by directing diaspora capital, expertise and networks into productive sectors including agriculture, mining, manufacturing, tourism, technology, artificial intelligence and youth-led enterprises.
Organisers said preparations for the next Zimbabwe Diaspora Week would focus on expanding global participation and deepening the diaspora’s contribution to the country’s economic transformation.
